E.S. Lawrence Gallery is accustomed to being first. First in Aspen as the oldest art gallery in town and now as the first commercial gallery to set up in what is being called the “New Art District” being established on Hyman Avenue between Hunter and Spring Streets.

Anchored by the new location of the Aspen Art Museum, the core of downtown Aspen is expanding. Two blocks from Gondola Plaza and directly across the street from the new Aspen Art Museum, E.S. Lawrence Gallery is poised to be a founder once again.

During recent construction woes on Galena Street with a new building replacing the old Gap space, gallery owners Ken and Kathy Johnson decided to make a move from the location the gallery had inhabited for nine years. A short stint on the Cooper Avenue Mall did not meet their expectations and they agreed another move was necessary. A search ensued and they found the new site at 616 E. Hyman Ave. The new gallery is located in the old Aspen Valley Foundation space near L’Hostaria.

When asked if being outside of the traditional core was a concern, Ken Johnson answered “Anytime you venture out, try something new, there are going to be people who question your actions. We believe this location across from the new art museum will prove to be visionary. New retail is moving in across the street at Garfield & Hecht and in between our location and Little Annie’s.”

Upon signing the lease, renovations began immediately. The walls were painted, the floors refinished, track walls were mounted and all new lighting had to be installed to make the space gallery worthy.

“I think people will find it hard to believe this was an office before,” says Ken.

While construction delays prevented the gallery from being ready for Thanksgiving, everything is in place now and the doors are open.

A rotating display of oils, watercolors, mixed media and sculpture by numerous artists including Hamilton Aguiar, Zvonimir Mihanovic and Anne London together with local artists Shelly Hamill and Katie Van Alstine provide for a mix of genres and variety.

“Our gallery prides itself in representing the best the international and the local art market has to offer,” adds Ken. “We work to meet the discerning tastes of everyone who walks in our doors.”

The public is invited to check out the new gallery location for a Grand Re-Opening Après Party on Friday, Dec. 27.

John Denver Honored as Legacy Recordings’ Artist of the Month
Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, commemorates the life and music of Aspen legend John Denver (1943-1997) on the occasion of his 70th birthday, and celebrates his memory as the label’s Artist of the Month for December 2013. Fans are urged to join the John Denver estate in celebrating his legacy by using the hashtag #RememberJohnDenver on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram posts so all messages can be collected in one place.

Fans are also being urged to tell “My John Denver Story” at mystory@johndenver.com[1], recalling when they first fell in love with the artist, or one of their favorite Denver songs or experiences, including concerts or personal meetings with him.

John Denver, who would have turned 70 on Dec. 31, 2013, was a multi-faceted singer, songwriter, actor, environmental activist, philanthropist, and long-time RCA, Windstar and Sony Music recording artist. The beloved two-time Grammy Award-winning artist — and five-time host of the Grammy Awards broadcast — was also honored as the Poet Laureate of Colorado.

Denver began his solo career when he was signed to RCA Victor in 1969. It was his 1967 tune, “Leaving, On A Jet Plane,” that received notice, when Peter, Paul & Mary recorded it that year. He became one of the most celebrated entertainers of the ’70s and ’80s, and remains synonymous with Aspen.

A number of landmark events have already marked 2013 as John Denver’s estate honors his memory and music during his 70th birthday year, including a tribute album released in April called, “The Music Is You: A Tribute to John Denver,” featuring a collection of his most popular songs as recorded by a diverse group of artists ranging from Dave Matthews, My Morning Jacket, and Train, to Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris, and many others. “John Denver: A Rocky Mountain High Concert” visited several major cities, presenting an innovative virtual presentation in which for the first time in 15 years, Denver was seen performing on giant video screens, backed live by former members of his band, accompanied by a string section.

The concert featured archival video footage of Denver performing hit songs spanning his career, along with stories of life on the road with the artist as told by old friends and fellow performers.